The nonprofit law podcast is a weekly show highlighting legal issues facing nonprofits. Hosted by Tim Mooney, an attorney with over a decade of experience in nonprofit law, this entertaining and informative program helps staff, officers and directors of nonprofits to understand the laws that impact their organizations.

Focuses on public charities, other 501(c)s and 527sCovering voter guides, debates & forums, renting mailing lists, ballot measures, and voter registration/GOTVWhy now? Many nonprofits are already planning 2008 and some are already engaged in itDon't do any of these things? Still important to know in case something unexpected comes up

Voter registration -registering people to voteGOTV - getting people to the polls, or otherwise aiding them to vote

501(c)(3)sPurely nonpartisanOne permissible goal - getting people to exercise their right to votePermissible to target activities if based on nonpartisan criteria like location and audienceMay not target based upon the way a group votes May target if a disadvantaged or underrepresented group or targeted group has common interestDo discuss a broad range of issuesDon’t suggest a correct position Vote green. Register here. - NO You can have an impact on the decisions affecting your life. Register to vote now. - YESLet’s get out the pro-choice vote. Register here. - NO

Other 501(c)sPartisan "slant" ok, but it would then count towards secondary activity, so watch amount527sPartisan "slant" okResources

Email me with questions and suggested topicsAP audio & handbook on using the Internet, podcasting and social networking for your nonprofit - go to nplawcast.com for detailsNeed more than a podcast? Tim-Mooney.comnplawcast.com

This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.

Focuses on public charities, other 501(c)s and 527sCovering voter guides, debates & forums, renting mailing lists, ballot measures, and voter registration/GOTVWhy now? Many nonprofits are already planning 2008 and some are already engaged in itDon't do any of these things? Still important to know in case something unexpected comes up

Ballot MeasuresAlso, referenda, ballot questions, bond measures, state questions, etc.Legislation that is considered by votersWork for or against is considered a hybrid... lobbying by tax law, election activity by state election law

501(c)(3)sLimited capacity to work on ballot measuresReporting requirements and registration usually required under state lawsOther organizations? Lobbying not an issue under tax lawReporting requirements and registration usually required under state lawsResources

Email me with questions and suggested topicsAP audio & handbook on using the Internet, podcasting and social networking for your nonprofit - go to nplawcast.com for detailsNeed more than a podcast? Tim-Mooney.comnplawcast.com

This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.

Focuses on public charities, other 501(c)s and 527sCovering voter guides, debates & forums, renting mailing lists, ballot measures, and voter registration/GOTVWhy now? Many nonprofits are already planning 2008 and some are already engaged in itDon't do any of these things? Still important to know in case something unexpected comes up

501(c)(3)s can rent their mailing lists to candidates!?A 501(c)(3) may rent mailing lists to political candidatesMust make the list available to all candidatesIRS is likely to look less favorably on such list rentals if the 501(c)(3) does not make such lists available to the public on a regular basis on the same terms that the lists are made available to candidatesBest practices - use a list brokerOther organizations? Less of an issue since they can support or oppose candidatesWatch out for contribution prohibitions

This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.

Focuses on public charities, other 501(c)s and 527sCovering voter guides, debates & forums, renting mailing lists, ballot measures, and voter registration/GOTVWhy now? Many nonprofits are already planning 2008 and some are already engaged in itDon't do any of these things? Still important to know in case something unexpected comes up

Debates & forums

Debate - multiple candidates on "stage" at same timeForum - one at a time appearance

501(c)(3)sPurely nonpartisanBroad range of issues Unbiased questionsInvite all viable candidates Apply the rules fairlyImpartial moderatorUnbiased audienceForums - no contextual favoritismSpecial issue - inviting candidate for non-candidate reason (award, etc.) ok so long as it is not timed to coincide with the electionOther 501(c)sPartisan "slant" ok, but it would then count towards secondary activity, so watch amount527sForums and rallies typicalResources

Email me with questions and suggested topicsAudio guide on using the Internet, podcasting and social networking for your nonprofit coming later this week - go to nplawcast.com for details.Need more than a podcast? Tim-Mooney.comnplawcast.com

This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.